IO THE ANCIENT GLASS IN YORK MINSTER. 
eastwards, the lower eight are fairly perfect, the four upper ones are 
much confused, whilst the uppermost consists of interlaced plain 
circles. In the easternmost light the the thirteen compartments 
are generally perfect in form, but the colours are changed in alter¬ 
nate compartments, namely, blue to ruby, ruby to blue, yellow 
to ruby, etc. In the lower angles of the border are squares, 
each adorned with a whitebanded quatrefoil, within which is 
depicted a kingly siren with crown of gold, blue face and claws, 
green wings and ruby body, the background being a rich purple. 
The window in the mass has a brownish-green look, and 
resembles tapestry; this has given rise to the tradition that five 
maiden sisters worked the patterns in tapestry, hence its name of 
Fig. 7. “ Five Sisters.” Second Light from West. 
the Five Sisters. The legend forms the subject of a story related 
by Dickens in “ Nicholas Nickleby.” 1 
The five noble lights “ may be considered as unequalled in 
freedom, vastness, and simplicity of design, and on which the 
eye rests with unspeakable delight; the designs are delicate and 
chaste, rich, yet unobtrusive ; all the forms and colours seem to 
intermix like fine lace, shedding a dim religious light.’’ 
1 Chap. vi. 
